Michael Wagener wasn't a big drinker. But when he turned 21 in 1999, his friends took him out for the "power hour" — the period between midnight and 1 a.m. when many 21-year-olds take their first legal drink in Texas.
That first drink often turns into two, as it did for Michael. Then three. Then four. Within 30 to 45 minutes, Michael had downed eight or nine 4-ounce shots. He died on his 21st birthday from alcohol poisoning.
[...]To prevent others from binge drinking on their 21st birthdays, state Rep. Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands, has filed a bill that would delay the celebration a bit.The bill would make it illegal for someone to drink alcohol at a bar or restaurant before 7 a.m. on his or her 21st birthday. And if your birthday falls on Sunday, you would have to wait until noon.
[...]Twenty-four other states and the District of Columbia have a similar law.
[...]"The idea of this bill is to remove the pressure of that two-hour time limit," Eissler said. "If they go out the next night, they could start earlier."
The other bill proposed by Eissler would require that each keg sold in Texas have a registration label attached to it for tracking purposes.
Under the proposed bill, the person buying the keg must also sign a declaration that he or she does not intend for underage people to drink.
HoustonChronicle.com - Bill may put lid on 21st birthday drinking binges
